Nairobi has one of Africa’s largest groups of international schools, serving diplomatic, UN, NGO and business families as well as many Kenyan families. Choosing one is usually the biggest decision in a move - and it often decides where you live.

Curricula

  • British - the English National Curriculum through IGCSE at 16 and A levels at 18. The most common in Nairobi.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) - the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. Widely recognised by universities worldwide.
  • American - a US-style curriculum, often with Advanced Placement courses.
  • National schools of other countries - including German and French schools, which follow those countries’ systems.

Some schools combine them, for example IGCSE followed by the IB Diploma.

Where the schools are

  • Rosslyn and Gigiri - the International School of Kenya and Rosslyn Academy, near the UN.
  • Karen and Lang’ata - many schools, including Hillcrest, Brookhouse and Banda.
  • Lavington, Kileleshwa, Runda and Kitisuru - several British-curriculum schools, including Braeburn’s Gitanga Road campus.
  • North of the city and along Thika Road - including Peponi School near Ruiru, and a growing number of newer and more affordable schools.

School runs are long in Nairobi’s traffic, so shortlist schools first, then look for housing nearby. See Nairobi’s neighbourhoods.

What it costs

Fees vary enormously:

  • The leading international schools charge roughly KES 2 million to 5 million a year for tuition at secondary level, often quoted or pegged in US dollars.
  • Mid-range British-curriculum schools charge a fraction of that.
  • Lower years usually cost less than the exam years.

On top of tuition, expect:

  • One-off fees - application, assessment, registration and sometimes a large development or capital levy or refundable deposit.
  • Exam fees for IGCSE, A level or IB.
  • Transport, lunch, uniforms, trips and activities.
  • Boarding, where offered.

Ask every school for its full fee schedule and how often fees rise. Employers’ education allowances often cover tuition but not all the extras. Budget with the budget planner.

Applying

  1. Start early. Popular schools have waiting lists, especially in the lower years, and many admit mainly in August or September.
  2. Visit during term, and ask to see lessons.
  3. Prepare documents - school reports for the last two or three years, passport copies, immunisation records, and a reference from the current school.
  4. Assessments - most schools test or interview children for older year groups.
  5. Pay the deposit to secure a place.

What to check

  • Accreditation - by the Council of International Schools, the IB, Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel or US accreditors, and registration with the Ministry of Education.
  • Exam results and university destinations.
  • Support for learning needs and English as an additional language.
  • Class sizes and teacher turnover.
  • Safeguarding policies and security.

Kenyan curriculum schools

Many private schools follow Kenya’s Competency-Based Education system, at lower fees. See Schools in Nairobi and Senior school and Grade 10 placement.

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